The Toronto Builds Policy Framework, a city-wide strategy to assess underused City-owned land for affordable and rent-controlled housing, has identified a number of opportunities for the City to build a range of new rental homes on public land. This includes the Housing Now sites at 3326 Bloor St W (Bloor-Islington) and 970 Kipling Ave (Bloor/Kipling Blocks 3, 5, 6, and 7).
This also includes two Green P parking lots at 120 Sixth St and 140 Fifth St. Neighbours and businesses along Lakeshore have shared their concerns about the impacts of losing a significant amount of parking in the area.
Let me be clear, I do not support removing this parking.
I know how critical this parking is to our local small businesses. I have met with the Lakeshore Village BIA to hear from business owners along Lakeshore, and I share their concerns.
I also know that we are facing an evolving housing crisis that is impacting housing affordability for both low- and middle-income residents. We need to build permanent housing that people can afford.
I’ve met with City staff and made it clear that I need to see a proposal that both supports thriving local businesses and builds a city that meets the needs of all our residents.
These two sites are still in the early feasibility review stage. No designs have been developed and no approvals have been granted. If either site is selected to move forward, the process will include public consultation and full planning review, and the final decision will be made through City Council.
I will continue to work with staff and neighbours of the site to make sure that these priorities are at the forefront of all conversations, including the opportunities for public consultation yet to come.
